Proteas booed off for not chasing record win

SOUTH African batsmen Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn (pictured) were booed off the Wanderers after they settled for a draw, rather than go for a historic world record win against India on the final day of the first Test in Johannesburg.

The world No.1 ranked Proteas, chasing a mammoth 458 for victory, needed just 16 runs off the final three overs to record the highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test history, but Philander and Steyn opted to shut up shop before finishing on 7-450.

Steyn added the final insult to the home fans by smashing the last ball for six. South African captain Graeme Smith said he had no problems with the strategy his players adopted, saying it was more important the team did not lose the opening match of the two-Test series.

The highest successful fourth-innings run chase in Test history remains the 418 scored by West Indies to beat Australia in St John's in 2003.